Pastor Bob DuPar
July 16, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

1 Chronicles 22:1-23:32; Romans 3:9-31; Psalm 12:1-8; Proverbs 19:13-14.

Observation

It’s interesting how many preparations David made for Solomon and the building of the temple – knowing that Solomon was “young and inexperienced” and would need his help. David’s prayer in 22:12 is one that all of us need someone to pray over us:

“May the Lord give you discretion and understanding when He puts you in command over Israel (leadership), so that you may keep the law of the Lord your God.”

Our reading in Romans concerning the law and God’s righteous requirement is often misunderstood. Through the law we become conscious of sin. And, the law “silences every mouth” and “holds the whole world accountable to God” as Romans 3:19ff. says. But, the law is not merely some arbitrary, unattainable standard that God chose to reveal our sinfulness and expose our need for Him. The law is a reflection of His sinless character and moral perfection – in short, His absolute holiness. That’s why it’s good news that we are justified freely by His grace through Jesus; because there is no other way that we could meet this righteous standard – achieve God’s perfection.

Application

As a Christian who is saved by grace and justified through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, the law becomes a window into who God is rather than an obsolete set of rules and regulations. The law is still a mirror which aids me as I seek to be conformed/transformed into His image. The issue becomes “how” I struggle through this transformation – in my flesh, or through the power of His Holy Spirit.

Prayer

“Lord, help me to realize more and more that Your Word is not a collection of “do’s” & “don’ts” but rather an invitation and guidebook to become like You.”